HB 75 amends Pennsylvania's Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to update the definition of "primary supervising physician" to include medical doctors (MDs) licensed by the State Board of Medicine, alongside osteopathic physicians (DOs). This change allows physician assistants to have either an MD or a DO as their primary supervising physician under a written agreement, expanding oversight options beyond current restrictions. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment and does not alter other provisions of the law.
HB 1127 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows qualified professionals to practice across state lines while maintaining each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice and disciplinary actions. Key mechanisms include streamlined licensure pathways, shared disciplinary information between states, and protection of public health standards. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work in multiple compact states, particularly addressing workforce mobility and access to care.
HB 69 amends Pennsylvania's Cancer Drug Repository Program to allow unused, unopened cancer prescription drugs to be redistributed to indigent patients through approved pharmacies. The bill updates definitions (e.g., clarifying "cancer drug" includes drugs treating cancer or its side effects), requires drugs to be in original sealed packaging with unexpired dates, and mandates the State Board of Pharmacy to maintain a list of approved participating pharmacies. It also adds requirements for annual reporting and establishes procedures for restocking and dispensing drugs while maintaining safety standards. This directly affects indigent cancer patients seeking affordable medication and pharmacies participating in the program.
HB 1117 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to redefine the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' responsibilities for addressing substance use disorders. The department must now develop a comprehensive State plan coordinating prevention, treatment, research, and education across all state agencies and local communities - including health, law enforcement, education, and workforce sectors - to avoid duplication. The plan requires annual review and updates, and mandates the department to provide assistance to local governments while collaborating with medical professionals on drug use guidelines. This change formalizes existing coordination efforts under a unified framework, directly affecting state agencies and local entities managing substance use disorder services.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 23, 2026, as Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day to highlight a rare genetic form of epilepsy that affects approximately 20,000 people in the United States. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves to raise public awareness about the condition, which often begins in infancy with temperature-sensitive seizures and can lead to developmental delays. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to honor medical professionals and families impacted by the disease while acknowledging the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive care.
This Pennsylvania bill requires most health insurance plans to cover vaginal estrogen when used to treat menopausal symptoms or prevent urinary tract infections. The law mandates that insurers include FDA-approved drugs, devices, and combination products for this treatment, though they may still apply standard rules regarding medical necessity and patient cost-sharing. Coverage applies to new or renewed policies starting 90 days after the bill takes effect, with specific timelines for plans that do not need to file rates or forms with the state.
HB 1244 requires health insurance policies and government health programs in Pennsylvania to cover pelvic floor therapy and related treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction. This includes services like biofeedback, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation, and postoperative care for prostatectomies, hysterectomies, and postpartum assessments. The coverage applies to policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, though insurers may still apply medical necessity standards and cost-sharing requirements. The bill directly affects all health insurance companies and government health programs (such as Medicaid) operating under Pennsylvania's insurance law.
This bill requires Medicaid programs and private health insurance plans to cover bone density screenings, preventive care, and treatments for osteoporosis specifically linked to menopause. It directly affects postmenopausal women, particularly those with low income who rely on Medicaid, by ensuring access to these services without cost barriers. The key provision mandates that both public medical assistance programs and private insurers include these osteoporosis-related services in standard coverage. This expands existing coverage to explicitly address menopause-related bone health needs.
HB 1346 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to mandate coverage for menopause treatments in health insurance policies. This bill requires health insurance policies offered or renewed in the Commonwealth to provide coverage for both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms. The required coverage includes FDA-approved drugs, devices, behavioral therapy, and treatments for menopause induced by a hysterectomy. This ensures individuals in Pennsylvania experiencing menopause or related symptoms have access to covered treatments, subject to the standard terms and conditions of their health insurance policy.
This bill establishes legal protections for music therapy by requiring anyone who identifies as a music therapist to hold a valid certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. It prohibits unlicensed individuals from claiming to be music therapists, using specific credentials like "MT-BC," or implying they are qualified to provide clinical music therapy services. While the law allows professionals to use music in their general work, it strictly forbids them from representing themselves as certified music therapists without the proper credential. Violations of these rules are classified as third-degree misdemeanors and are also treated as unfair trade practices under state consumer protection laws.
